A shop in Stoke-on-Trent is under "formal investigation" after Trading Standards discovered over £21,000 worth of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes.

Staffordshire Police supported officers from Trading Standards on a visit to TKT Express on High Street, Tunstall, on Friday 9 May after an illegal vape was sold to a 17-year-old girl.

During the visit, illegal products were found in a nearby car, thought to be linked to the shop, with a total retail value of £21,600.

The illegal goods seized totalled 22,360 cigarettes, 6.2kg of tobacco and 290 vapes. Stoke-on-Trent City Council says the shop is now under "formal investigation".

Cllr Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Our teams are taking firm action against shops that put young people at risk.

"I want to thank our Trading Standards for more hard work that protects all residents and upholds the law.

"We want our city to be a safe place for children and young people, so the fact that this shop sold an illegal vape to somebody underage shows complete disregard for their safety.

"We will take action against those who put people at risk and undermine the hard work of legitimate businesses."

"I encourage any residents to report any suspicious activity related to illegal tobacco, vapes, or underage sales."